Career Changer

I'm about to turn forty and have around fifteen years of operations experience, most recently in HSA operations at a large financial services company, including anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer vetting work. I recently finished my bachelor's degree through an online program and I'm currently studying for CFA Level One, aiming for the November sitting. I'm trying to break into a front-office or investment-adjacent analyst role, ultimately working toward an associate-level seat at a bank or asset manager. Is there realistically enough here to get a foot in the door, or should I be targeting something more middle-office first given my age and background? Would appreciate any honest perspective, including the discouraging kind.